PUTNAM — Democrat Tony Falzarano will be the next mayor of Putnam after beating Republican Barney Seney by a comfortable margin at the polls Tuesday.

Falzarano got 963 votes to Seney's 794.

"I'm ready to go," Falzarano said. "I want to get to work."

Mayor Peter Place chose not to run for re-election.

Falzarano said throughout the campaign he wanted to work with everyone, regardless of their party affiliations. He billed himself as the candidate who could keep Putnam's momentum while maintaining a stable tax rate.

Seney, on the other hand, has long suggested politics in Putnam were hindering the town's growth. He said he knows he has a reputation of being a "troublemaker," but he wants to ensure the government works properly.

Falzarano has served in office in Putnam for 39 years. Right now, he is the chairman of the Board of Finance, on which he has served for 28 years. He also coaches boys basketball at Tourtellotte High School in Thompson and is retired from teaching at Putnam High School.

Seney was first selectmen for four years in Thompson. He retired from the state police after 27 years as an officer and has served for the last two years as a selectman in Putnam.

The mayor's position in Putnam is part-time with a salary of about $35,000. Place's term is up Dec. 4.

Al Cormier said he knew both candidates and liked both men. However, Cormier said, Putnam is headed in the right direction, and he has been an active supporter of Falzarano to ensure that continues.

"It was an easy choice," Cormier said. "He's been at it for a long time. He knows what's happening in the town and what needs to be done."

Marino Atsales said it was more the importance of voting than any issue or candidate that got him out to the polls.